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Ohio sees second-highest rise in mental health issues since 2022

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

October 11, 2023 12:17 PM

Doctors are learning more about treating mental health every day.

Data experts analyzed CDC data to show how the U.S. is affected by anxiety, depression and other concerns.

CDC data shows the percentage of adults experiencing mental health issues in each state in 2022 and 2023.

Addiction Treatment Magazine calculated the percentage increase and ranked states from highest to lowest.

How many people struggle with mental health?

One in five people in the U.S. experience mental illness yearly, and one in twenty experience severe mental illness.

For many, the largest barriers to mental health treatment are a lack of providers and the cost of treatment.

Where does Ohio rank?

Idaho placed at the top of states with the highest increase in mental health issues in a year, with 1.79%, and Ohio isn’t far behind.

Ohio is second, with a 1.59% increase from 27.66% in 2022 to 29.25% in 2023.

According to a National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) report, out of the adult population who needed mental health care in Ohio, nearly 30% did not receive it due to costs.

Mental health treatment advice

A spokesperson from Addiction Treatment Magazine commented:

“Good mental health and wellbeing is essential today, but can be a challenge to support. Longer working hours, financial strain, and dependence on mobile phones all contribute to anxiety and depression.
“Addiction and depression often occur together. They’re closely linked not only because of their tendency to co-occur (that the presence of these conditions can lead to–or worsen–the other condition) but because they share many common risk factors, such as genetics, stress, and trauma. Additionally, both addiction and depression affect the brain in similar ways and cause overlapping changes in neurotransmitters and neural pathways.
“Therapy and medication can be expensive, so it is essential to consider other avenues when preventing and treating mental health. Natural spaces such as parks along with walking trails or other exercise, boosts serotonin, which is a chemical that improves mood. States with lots of open spaces and natural beauty have seen a smaller increase in mental health issues compared to built-up areas.
“Also, having a solid support system can be an important coping mechanism for depression. Talking to friends and family about your feelings can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and provide you with a sense of validation and understanding. Additionally, joining a support group can provide a sense of community and connection with others experiencing similar struggles.”